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“You know I don’t want to leave you, right?” I nod, but still don’t speak. He opens and closes his mouth, runs his fingers through the length of my ponytail. “I love you, Chloe. Say the word and I’ll call Dell right now and take it all back. I’ll stay here with you any day, darlin’. I need you to know that.” Tears swim in my eyes as I try to force out the words I know I have to say. He can’t do that for me. I’m not worth it. And it’s not fair to the other three. I choke down a sob and he pulls me into his chest. “I love you, too, but you can’t stay now. You gave your word. I thought we’d talked about your white knight tendencies.” My voice is muffled by the soft flannel of his shirt, but he understands. “Chloe, I’d do anything for you, to hell with the rest of the world.” He says into my hair. His arms are tight around me, holding me against him like I might disappear if he lets go.” — Lissa Lynn Thomas